Tag Archives: green energy

The AWEA Recently announced that in November of 2015, the United States reached the 70 gigawatts production milestone for the first time in its history. This is great news for an industry that had plateaued over the last couple years with the uncertainty created by the government and clean energy tax credits. The 50 and 60 gigawatt levels were achieved back in 2012. 2013 proved to be slower year for new wind energy projects, but that has changed in 2014, with over 8.3 billion dollars invested.

Better Times Ahead

The momentum for 2015 and beyond is increasing for many reasons. The first is the extensions of the Production Tax Credit and alternate Investment Tax Credit by Congress, which gives stability and predictability to the industry through at least 2019. These credits make new wind energy projects more affordable, encouraging investment.

Another big reason is that wind energy prices have reached all time lows. In order to be competitive in the energy market, wind energy has to make financial sense for the organizations buying and investing in energy. With wind energy prices the lowest they have ever been, they are very competitive economically on the market.

More Progress to be Made

While 70 gigawatts of energy production is a great milestone for a budding industry, there is still a long way to go before wind energy is a viable alternative for U.S. residents. At this point, energy produced by wind makes up only 5% of total U.S. energy consumption – meaning there is still great long-term potential for increases in wind energy production.

In a surprising bit of news this week, the United States Congress has extended the Renewable Energy Tax Credit through 2021. Officially called the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), these credits were set to expire at the end of 2016, at which point the 30% tax credit would drop down to 10%. This looming deadline had been creating a lot of uncertainty in the solar and wind industries as companies rushed to complete as many projects as possible before the deadline. This extension adds some much needed stability to a growing industry.

It’s important to keep our environment clean and resources abundant for future generations. Green energy methods implemented in your home help the environment and also save you money. The following article provides great information on the different ways you can incorporate green energy technology into your home today.

Instead of using A/C in the summer, wear natural fabrics. Cotton and other fabrics draw sweat from the skin and make you cool. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.

TIP! Use a solar-solar powered system to heat water. Using electricity or gas to heat water is not terribly efficient, but water heaters that use solar power maintain water temperatures using only the sun’s rays by way of solar panels.

You might be able to get a government grant to finance your green energy installation. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. You may qualify for free wind or solar installation, or you may find that you can deduct some of your expenses on your taxes.

Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. If your detergent is of good quality, you should have no problems using cold water. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.

If your home is heated with fuel oil, ask a technician if you can switch to biodiesel. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. The bonus of doing this is a cleaner burning fuel that is generally also more efficient, and you’ll lessen your impact on the environment also.

TIP! The government has made grants for investing in renewable energy available to the public. To find out which programs are available in your area contact your local government.

During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. The sun will make your clothing smell great. Sun-drying clothes gives them a fresh smell. In addition, you’ll save money on your utility bills.

To conserve energy and save money, only run the dishwasher when you have a full load. Don’t run it when there are a low number of dishes present. The amount of dishes that can be placed in a washer is astounding. Set up the plates so that you fill it up as much as possible.

Turn off appliances if you are not using them. When you exit a room, be sure that everything has been fully turned off. A power strip is an easy way to turn off multiple appliances at once, so consider placing one in a conspicuous place where many electronics are located.

TIP! You can easily get solar panels installed in your home to collect solar energy for your use. Before you do this though, you need to think about a few things first.

Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. Using this metric means you will meet your energy needs in the winter, while greatly exceeding them in the summer. If you’re using a type of net usage plan, you’ll receive money back during the summer from your utility company for energy you’re generating!

When planning out your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the cells as possible. This avoids power loss in the cable. The cable will also be less likely to shade the cells, something that can lessen their capability of generating energy.

Keep your refrigerator properly maintained. Refrigerators take lots of energy to run, so it’s crucial to make sure it is running effectively. Vacuum the coils frequently to remove the dust that can build up and reduce efficiency. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.

TIP! Save on the use of electricity in your home, and become a better consumer of energy by unplugging your electronic devices and gadgets when they are not in use. Mp3, cell phone, laptop, and various other device chargers draw power when they’re plugged in, no matter if it’s charging or not.

If you are on the fence about whether to invest money in green energy for your home, have your existing equipment examined by professional plumbers or HVAC experts. You can be shown where your money is being lost through inefficient products, and some great estimates on upgrades or replacements.

Many people want to do their part for helping the environment. By utilizing some of the advice that has been provided here for you it is possible for a cleaner, brighter world to be a reality while energy efficiency is achieved within the home. Just seeing the cost savings mount up is a great motivator.

A lot of people do not think about the environment as they use items in and around the home. All of these items impact the environment. It is possible to make use of green technology to reduce your home’s impact on the environment. The following tips will give you an idea of how to use green energy.

Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. Solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and can save you a great deal on wiring and electricity expenses. Not only does this save energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.

TIP! Some government money is available to assist consumers with switching to renewable energy. Talk to your local representative to see if programs operate in your neighborhood.

Check with a technician and see if switching to biodiesel for your home instead of fuel oil is a viable option for you. Depending on your system, you may be able to switch to biodiesel without having to make any modifications to your system. Biodiesel is cleaner and more efficient to burn than oil, and it has a better affect on the environment.

Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren’t home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. South-facing windows get maximum sun. Make sure that all the windows are covered with dark curtains, blinds, roman shades, or whatever shade you choose.

Investigate all of the energy sources your community has to offer. Find out what the cost would be to switch, how much it would cost to maintain, and whether your government has any legislation regarding its use. It might be good to switch to natural gas or well water, as an example.

TIP! Clean or replace the filters on your furnace once each year, and check once a month to see if they need to be cleaned. Warm-air registers can also benefit from filters.

If you want to have hot water, but at a lower cost, then check into solar energy. Look into hot water systems that run by solar power. There are direct circulation systems and also direct ones. If you have been plagued by frozen or broken pipes in the past, an indirect one could be for you.

When thinking about home solar systems, think about how much energy will be produced during winter. This prevents any unanticipated effects from a winter months, and it keeps you ahead of the game for summer months. And even more exciting, on some plans, you can receive money from utility companies if you use less energy than you generate.

The batteries should be located near the solar energy cells when the system is being set up. By doing so, energy loss through the cable is reduced. It will also minimize the possibility of a cable shading out the cells and lowering their generation capability.

Stormed Windows

Air flow can be better controller when stormed windows and doors are installed in a home. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. Energy efficiency increases by 45% in houses that contain stormed windows and doors, which could save you lots of money when it comes to electricity.

One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. If you wear a light sweater, you’ll feel two degrees warmer. A thicker sweater adds about four degrees. It is unnecessary to dress scantily at home, so pick up a sweater and save some money!

TIP! If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. Using this metric means you will meet your energy needs in the winter, while greatly exceeding them in the summer.

Pay attention to federal and local rebates associated with renewable energy for your house. In some situations, your local utility company may provide rebates to offset some of the cost of such upgrades. If not, there might be tax credits or deductions available from the federal or state government. These credits and rebates will ultimately cut your costs of bringing green energy technology to your house.

It’s possible you haven’t given your home’s environmental impact a lot of thought. Yet you can now change this, now that you understand how to go green you can make the necessary changes in your life. These tips will help you to improve the sustainable nature of your own home.

Like most people, you probably don’t really think about the environment when you are at home, using energy. Everything that is done affects the environment. You can contribute to the environment by taking advantage of the various green energy techniques available for your home. Read on to learn simple ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Solar powered outdoor lighting is a wonderful enhancement to your outdoor living areas. These lamps aren’t very expensive and can save you on power bills because they’re powered by the sun. You will not only reduce the energy you use. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.

TIP! During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Cotton and linen wick away moisture from your skin so that you stay cooler.

Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. This option is only applicable in areas that do not reach freezing temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a system that pumps your water through the solar heater before coming out of your pipes. You still should keep your regular water heater as a backup because there may be times when there isn’t a lot of sun or you have to use a lot of water that’s hot.

Use solar energy to provide hot water cheaply. Check into investing in a water system that is solar-powered. It is possible to chose between direct and indirect circulation systems. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.

If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. You will have more than enough energy during the summer months, while avoiding falling short during the winter. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.

TIP! You can save electricity by unplugging chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for your electronics, such as an iPod or cell phone, are always using electricity, even when they’re not in use, so unplug them when you can.

Make sure that the batteries to store the power are placed as close as possible to the cells when installing your solar energy system. This will prevent power from being lost in the cable. You also will not have to worry about the cells being shaded by a cable and not producing as much energy as they could.

Storm Doors

Storm doors and windows can make air flow in the home better. These special storm doors and windows prevent cold air and drafts from entering the home. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.

TIP! Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Nearly 90% of the energy that is consumed when you wash your clothes is taken up heating the water.

Fans of green energy should limit their use of electric heaters in the winter. A fireplace for the living area, wearing warmer clothing and purchasing some slippers are all greener ways of keeping the family warm. Also, it has been shown that people sleep better in cooler temperatures.

Save energy by buying products that conserve energy. Some green items, like environmentally freindly doors, will reduce your energy usage by a lot. When using these types of products you cut down on your heating and cooling costs.

Maybe you haven’t considered the environment in regard to energy, and you needn’t feel alone. Now that you’ve learned something about green energy, you can be more environmentally conscious. Take just one small action from the tips you’ve learned here, and you’ll be on your way to saving the planet.

Leading a greener lifestyle doesn’t mean spending a lot more time and money. A few, small changes around the house can shave electricity bills and greatly benefit the environment. Continue below for some helpful green energy tips you can take advantage of, while also making a long lasting impression on the environment.

There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. Talk to your local representative to see if programs operate in your neighborhood. You could possibly qualify for wind or solar installation at little or no cost, or you can deduct these kind of expenses from taxes.

TIP! One of the simplest ways to help save the environment is to use less energy. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it.

Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. Using a solar water heater to warm your water with the energy of the sun works to save money and energy. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.

Using the sun to heat your water is very cost effective. Build a hot-water system based on solar energy. Two types are available, direct and indirect. Indirect is best if you have cold winters and worry about pipes freezing.

When you are preparing to install a solar energy system, ensure that the power storing batteries are located nearby to the cells. This avoids power loss in the cable. The cable also is less likely to block power generation by providing shade if you do this.

TIP! Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Natural fabrics, including cotton, cause moisture to move away from the body, which means it stays cooler.

Get rid of your old tank-style water heater, and replace it with a modern tankless model. These still use gas and electricity to heat water, but they heat only what you use instead of continuously heating the whole tank. There are models available that provide on-demand hot water for a whole house or just one faucet.

Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. Rather, purchase some warmer clothes for your family and use a pellet stove or fireplace to heat up the living areas. Cool air helps sleeping patterns, as well as improving breathing.

Try not putting the temperature up too much, as it may be unnecessary. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.

TIP! Install solar panels and reap the benefits easily. But, you must think about some things prior to doing this.

Watch watt usage carefully. Use gadgets like the Watt Minder and the Kill-A-Watt so that you can discover what uses the most energy. Plus an appliance into the gadget and it will tell you how much energy it is using. This is a good way to find out how much your appliances are really costing you.

You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Bio-fuels consist of vegetable fat, animal fat, oils and wood. If you have a propane furnace, a professional will be able to adjust your system so you can heat your home using a fuel blend. That would be around 20-99% biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.

Use your microwave whenever you can reasonably use it. Stoves and ovens use a lot more energy than microwaves. So when you can “nuke” your food, do so to cut down on energy usage.

TIP! Research different sources of green energy available to your community. Calculate the expense of using these types of utilities while noting any recent legislation pertaining to energy costs.

Switch to a low-flow water-saving toilet. Experts estimate that almost half of a home’s use of water is flushed. A traditional toilet uses about five gallons of water each time it is flushed, compared to a water-conserving toilet, which uses just 1.6 gallons. This is a 70% water savings.

It will pay off over time if you spend more on green efficient products in the future. Green technologies cost a little more initially, but you will save money on your utility bills, making them a wise investment. It is also going to ultimately pay off for the environment.

Energy Star

TIP! Make your home energy-efficient with products that conserve power. Double or triple glazed windows and well-insulated doors prevent a lot of wasted energy while keeping the inside temperature more comfortable.

You should find an Energy Star logo or seal right on the product, so be sure to look for it. Appliances that have been ENERGY STAR rated follow energy consumption guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Department of Energy and additionally the EPA You will find tax rebates available for these types of products, specifically.

Frequently check the condition of the seal on your refrigerator and freezer doors. Broken seals can make your fridge run for no reason, waste energy, and cost you a lot of money. To check for a faulty seal, a paper can be inserted inside the fridge door in order to ensure it does not slip out easy.

You can save energy while doing your laundry in several ways. Start in using moisture control settings that turns your dryer off when clothes are dry. Use a higher speed for the spin cycle to reduce the drying time. You should also keep the dryer lint traps clean and look for any blockages in dryer vents.

TIP! Whenever possible, choose to get your communications through email. This will help you use less paper and help the planet.

Even people who don’t believe in global warming can see real benefits from green energy. By making a couple small changes like turning off lights when not needed, can really help save you lots of money on your electric bill.

Switching to green technology is often easy and affordable. Every small change is a step taken toward preserving the environment. The next few paragraphs will give you information on green energy sources that might work for you.

Use solar heating systems to heat all your water in order to save money. Using gas or electricity to heat water isn’t efficient. However, solar water heaters use the sun to make water comfortable and reduce energy consumption. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.

TIP! Solar panels can be easily installed on your home and are used to collect energy from the sun for use in your home. However, there are several things to consider before making any decisions.

You can conserve energy by shading your windows from sunlight. Closing your blinds and curtains will keep out the sun in summer and keep heat from escaping in winter. When you use these two things in tandem, you will find your heating and cooling bills will plummet. Energy and money are both saved this way.

Do you have a farm? Companies are actually looking for space to put wind turbines in, and a small part of your property can be used as one of those spots. The wind turbine will provide free energy without taking up much room. Your neighbors will also benefit from this energy source.

Storm Doors

TIP! Do you have a large plot of land? If you or someone you know does, you can rent a piece of your land to a company looking to put in a wind turbine. You and the neighbors can benefit from this free installation and energy which won’t take up much space.

Storm doors and windows offer better air flow in the home. Storm doors and windows will reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.

There are products available for purchase that can help you reduce your energy costs. Examples of these include windows, light bulbs, and appliances, all of which have been designed to run efficiently on reduced energy. This will reduce both your home’s heating and cooling bills.

Turn the heat down in your house. If you feel cold, put on a sweater or blanket instead. Higher levels of heat use a lot of excess energy!

TIP! If you would like to live your life green, stay away from excess electric heater usage. Use a fireplace in place of the heater and wear warm layers of clothing.

Keep an eye on how many watts of electricity you use. Get a watt monitor such as the Watt Minder or the Kill-A-Watt to find out which appliances use too much energy. When you plug an electrical appliance into the monitor, it displays how much energy it requires each hour, month, or year. You can use this to identify your most expensive energy-hogging appliances.

Make reminders for yourself to set new energy efficiency targets, and be sure you examine each utility bill that comes in against last year’s bill to see if gains are being made. When you’re more conscious of the energy you consume you can help to reduce costs in all areas of your life. Taking the time to use less resources will help you get into a habit of preventing energy waste through unattended appliances.

You can actually use biofuels to add heat for your home. These fuels are made up of animal or vegetable fats, oils and wood. Propane furnace mechanics can adjust your furnace so that you can use biofuels in it. This would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Schedule a consultation with a professional prior to making the switch to biofuels in your home.

TIP! D

Use your microwave oven whenever you can instead of the stove and oven. Cooking food using the stove or the oven consumes a large amount of power. So when you can “nuke” your food, do so to cut down on energy usage.

Changing to greener ways does not need to be difficult. As you have seen in this article, there are many ways to become more green. Remember to use what you have read here today. Although the effort isn’t considerable, going green does have some tremendously great effects.

If you don’t know very much about green energy, this article will help you realize just how helpful green energy is, not only to the environment but to you as well. You can incorporate green energy in your daily life in many ways, as the following article will show.

Shading your windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. Another option is installing darkening shades. When you do these things, you then make your house cooler and reduce the amount of air conditioning you use during the summer. You will save energy, as well as money.

TIP! Instead of blasting the air conditioner to keep cool in summer, wear clothes made from naturally cooling fabrics. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, allow skin to remain cool by drawing moisture away from skin.

If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. If you own your farm property, you could allow an energy company to rent a small plot of your land, so they can install an energy-generating wind turbine. Your home and the surrounding residences will get some free power. Don’t worry, wind turbines don’t take up a lot of room.

Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it if you want to save energy. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. You may be quite surprised at the number of dishes your dishwasher can handle in one load. Strategically load your dishwasher so that you fit in as many dishes as possible.

When you plan a solar system for your home, try calculating what the energy generation of your system will be when you use hours worth of sun in the winter. Using this metric means you will meet your energy needs in the winter, while greatly exceeding them in the summer. An even better benefit is that you can sell your energy back to the grid in the sunniest of times!

TIP! You can reduce the amount of electricity that you use, and be a better energy user by removing chargers that power your devices from outlets when they are not in use. Chargers used for cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they aren’t charging your device.

Keep your refrigerator well maintained. A refrigerator uses lots of energy so should be kept in good working condition. Vacuum the coils frequently to remove the dust that can build up and reduce efficiency. Check the door seal for dirt, debris and leaks.

Storm Windows

Help to control the air flow in your own home by installing a storm door and storm windows too. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.

TIP! Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. These help your home remain cool and keep your energy bill down when you are not there.

Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. Even though these green versions of water heaters still use electricity or gas, they only need it to warm the water you’re using instead of heating it at all times. There are various options when it comes to tankless water heaters, from heating enough water for your entire home to ones that only serve one faucet.

If you don’t know whether a green energy system would help you save energy, consult professionals in the plumbing or HVAC fields to assess your current system. They can let you know how much money inefficient appliances are costing you, and they can also provide you with an idea of the amount of money you would have to spend to make upgrades to your systems.

Build and use a solar oven to bake outdoors and save energy. Use common household items to make a solar oven. Put a piece of an old window into a box and place foil inside the box to reflect the sun’s rays. This oven uses only solar energy and can reach cooking temperatures in excess of 300 degrees.

TIP! Maybe you can use solar water heaters instead of traditional heating methods. Using a solar water heater to warm your water with the energy of the sun works to save money and energy.

Another great idea would be to use bio-fuels for house heating. These fuels are made up of animal or vegetable fats, oils and wood. Propane furnace mechanics can adjust your furnace so that you can use biofuels in it. This would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Because this is a significant alteration, talk with a professional about the substitution before attempting to make any changes on your own.

Even though people know better, they often forget to turn off unused appliances, lights and computer equipment. Most people could probably save a ton on utility bills by getting in this habit. By thinking about the costs involved and how much extra energy you use, should get you to shut off those appliances and lights when not in use.

Green Energy

TIP! It’s important to maintain your refrigerator properly. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, so they should be taken care of to work their best.

After reading this article, you know how beneficial green energy can be. Green energy is, of course, great for the environment as well. If you take the time to utilize the tips provided here, you’ll be able to see how simple it is to be green.

How can green energy benefit you? Well, it can help lower your monthly bills because you won’t need to rely as heavily on the city’s electrical grid, plus it helps the environment. What can you do? Read the following article for suggestions on what you can do to help.

When creating lightning outdoors for a garden path or patio, consider using solar-powered lamps. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. This will save a lot of energy. As an added benefit, you are spared the trouble of running an outdoor wiring system.

TIP! Simply lessening the amount of daily energy consumption can save lots of energy. When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it.

Check your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. Install filters for your warm-air registers, too. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.

Maybe you can use solar water heaters instead of traditional heating methods. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. Though you can use this system, it’s best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.

Do not use your dishwasher unless it contains a full load of dishes. Dishwashers do not allow for minimizing water or power consumption. It is the same, full or not. Using the air-dry setting will save energy when you run the dishwasher.

TIP! If you’re designing any kind of outdoor lighting, you may want to think about installing solar-powered lamps. They are not only affordable, but they do not have to be hooked up to any power source, needing only good access to sunlight.

Solar batteries should be placed close to solar cells when system installation is taking place. This will prevent power from being lost in the cable. This also prevents the long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.

Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Keep your refrigerator in tip-top shape, and running at maximum efficiency, with minimal effort. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.

If you are on a mission to go green, start by keeping electric heaters off or on a very low setting during winter months. Wrap up your family in warmer clothes and make use of your fireplace for added warmth. This is good for your health as well as your electric bill. Breathing cooler air at night helps keep your respiratory system healthy; you’ll avoid drying out your airways.

Degrees Warmer

One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. You do not have to dress lightly at home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!

There are products available for purchase that can help you reduce your energy costs. Installing efficient windows and doors, window coverings, and insulation are just some of the ways to save big. By installing these products, your home is sealed tighter, and you use less energy to heat and cool your home.

TIP! Hot water can be obtained in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner through solar energy. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water.

Explore the possibility of using a solar-powered oven for some of your baking needs. You can create a solar over using common household items, including aluminum foil and a clean box. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.

There are countless things you can do it you want to live a environmentally friendly lifestyle. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will instead save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save energy as well. No matter how small, everything helps!

Energy Star

TIP! Take the time to properly maintain your refrigerator. A refrigerator uses lots of energy so should be kept in good working condition.

If you’re in the market for new appliances, make sure they have a high Energy Star rating. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. The amount of energy saved varies by appliances; you can save a lot of energy on your washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher use if you switch to Energy Star appliances.

One of the easiest ways to get started with making your home more energy-efficient is to enlist the help of your electric company. Utility companies often have web site tools that let you see the amount of energy you use and ways to reduce the consumption. Also check out programs they offer to help with the purchase of energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.

A lot of people want to learn what it takes to go green, yet there aren’t too many that truly take some time to do so. The preceding article has given you a starting point for making your home more green without spending a lot of money.